Ricky Martin splits with partner Carlos Gonzalez

03 JANUARY 2014
Pop pin up Ricky Martin has confirmed that he has separated from his partner, stockbroker Carlos Gonzalez after a five-year romance.

"Ricky and Carlos have mutually agreed to end their relationship, but continue to be united by friendship and their shared experiences," read his statement.

Ricky was with Carlos for five years

The couple had shared the care of the Latin superstar's twins, Matteo and Valentino, who were born via a surrogate in August 2008.

A series of recent tweets from the Livin' La Vida Loca singer seemed to hint at the break up from Carlos.

"Change oh changes," he said to his nearly 10 million followers on Friday. "So, you are waiting to be ready??? Watch out, you can be waiting all your life. #GODoit ;0)"

With the twins in 2009

A source told People magazine that distance may have played a factor in the break up as they'd been spending less and less time together.

Ricky came out to his fans in 2010, saying: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

The following year when he was honoured at the GLAAD Awards, which recognise the fair representation of gay people in the media, he thanked Carlos for his support.

"I definitely need to thank my parents for being so supportive, my mother and my dad for their unconditional love, and my friends, my family, my fans," he said in his speech. "And my partner in crime and my boyfriend Carlos."

It's not clear exactly when the break up took place because in September when Ricky appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, he made no mention of a split.

The proud father revealed that the twins are trilingual, speaking French, Spanish and English. "Ellen asked:' So your boyfriend, does he speak French?' "No he's from Puerto Rico, he speaks Spanish," replied Ricky. "We speak Spanish in the house."

He had previously praised Carlos for bringing "wonderful things" into his life. "Complexity, understanding, and, at the same time, freedom, not being afraid that your partner is judging you," added the 42-year-old. "That is what I have found with Carlos."